Mara Russo is an experienced design and insights leader in Chicago.

I AM A DESIGN AND INSIGHTS LEADER, STRATEGIST, RESEARCHER, VISUAL COMMUNICATOR, AND CORPORATE INNOVATOR WHO BELONGS IN THE POWER OF STORYTELLING, AND PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION.

Mara Russo sits at a table with her research and design colleagues at Relish Works, a foodservice innovation studio.
A scenic view of the Chicago skyline, where Mara Russo leads design teams.

DESIGN

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INSIGHTS

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RESEARCH

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STRATEGY

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VISUAL COMMUNICATION

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INNOVATION

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LEADERSHIP

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DESIGN ✦ INSIGHTS ✦ RESEARCH ✦ STRATEGY ✦ VISUAL COMMUNICATION ✦ INNOVATION ✦ LEADERSHIP ✦

WHAT AM I CURRENTLY

WORKING ON?

Whiteboard with post-it or sticky notes, written by designer and strategist Mara Russo for Gordon Food Service.

I am currently a strategy director at Relish Works, the innovation department for Gordon Food Service. I am responsible for leading a team of 12-15 designers, researchers, strategists, and business analysts across several types of work:

  • Corporate Strategy

  • Core Business Innovation

  • Emerging Tech and Trends

  • New Growth Pathways

Examples of current focus areas include topics like:

  • Long-Range Planning

  • Voice of Customer Surveys

  • Best in Class Pricing

  • The Future of Fulfillment (Last-Mile and Dense Markets)

  • Winning in Multi-cultural Cuisines

Case studies available upon request.

Mara Russo's professional portrait.

ABOUT ME

I am a curious, thoughtful creative and generalist in both my professional and personal life. I prefer gaining a breadth of knowledge over specialization, and love learning new skills.

At home, my passion for creativity extends to my all aspects of my life – whether that’s traveling, exploring new cuisines around Chicago, home cooking, painting, crafting, or DIY projects. My perfect weekend starts with a good coffee and a walk by Lake Michigan with my husband or friends, and my dog Olive.

LET’S CHAT ➺

A sneak peek at my

ART PRACTICE

An original oil painting of a golden doodle, created by artist, Mara Russo.
Framed chalk pastel of a field of colorful wildflowers with trees and a blue sky in the background, created by artist, Mara Russo.
Oil painting of three women outdoors on a sunny day, two holding drinks and one with arms behind her head, with blue sky and clouds in the background, painted by artist, Mara Russo.
Oil painting of a Chicago hot dog with various toppings on a blue striped surface, painted by artist, Mara Russo.
A pastel of tall trees with green and orange autumn leaves against a bright blue sky, painted by artist, Mara Russo.
Some pastels and drawings from the past couple months. #pastel #drawing #oilpastel #chalkpastel
Chicago dog, 2024. #oilpainting #stilllife #chicagodog
Pears seem like a holiday fruit so throwback to this quick pear painting I did after picking up free pears from a neighbor. #oilpainting #pears #stilllife #painter
🦞🍋🍴 #oilpainter #stilllife #summer #lobster #oilpaint

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM: @MARARUSSOART

SAY HELLO!

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REACH OUT

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SAY HELLO! ✦ REACH OUT ✦

Let’s chat.

A cute golden-brown dog wearing a Chicago Cubs jersey sits on a sidewalk near a concrete wall, looking up at the camera with expressive eyes. Taken by Mara Russo